Illustration: Pastel by Black Elephant Blog author on grey Canson Mi-Teintes Pastel paper
New Mexico in the early Spring: bright yellow flowers in the snow, white drifts on mountain peaks in the distance, terracotta adobe houses hugging the hillsides, a fresh cold air that catches your breath, a startlingly blue sky, a lovely teahouse along Canyon Road…
From museums, churches, markets, and hundreds of beautiful outdoor sculptures to parks, shops, and restaurants, there’s much to see and do… and sketch. But on this trip the temperatures have generally been too cold for much outdoor sketching.
Even finding the time to complete a sketch can be difficult with all the attractions all around.
Illustration: Sketch on Strathmore Aquarius II paper by Black Elephant Blog author
There’s the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, for instance, which brings the story of this amazing artist alive, ensuring that one wants to know more.
Illustration: Georgia O’Keefe’s paintbox on display under glass at the Georgia O’Keefe Museum
And the hundreds of years of history on display in the New Mexico History Museum inside the Palace of the Governors on the Plaza.
The colors of the hills and mountains that have made this area a favorite of artists for many years did not disappoint.
Illustration: Watercolor sketch, “South of Taos” on Strathmore Aquarius II paper by Black Elephant Blog author
With its rich history, intersection of cultures, and mix of ancient and modern, Santa Fe is a mecca for artists of all kinds. It’s easy to see why they call it the Land of Enchantment!
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